Name: Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 medium eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 12-15 fresh strawberries; 1 cup orange candy melts

Jump to Recipe·4 from 86 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate seasonal treat: the Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe. This dazzling dessert combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious ganache frosting and whimsical, pumpkin-inspired strawberries dipped in vibrant orange candy melts. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience that brings the coziness of autumn right to your table. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers indulgence and charm in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are four brown eggs in a white bowl with dark speckled edges at the top left. To its right, there is a block of butter partially wrapped in white and gold paper. Below the eggs, a white bowl filled with white sugar sits next to a grayish bowl full of bright red strawberries with green stems. Below the strawberries, a small white cup holds orange-colored candy melts. To the left, a white bowl contains broken dark chocolate pieces, and below it, another white bowl is filled with dark brown cocoa powder. Center bottom shows a white bowl full of cream, next to it are three small wooden spoons with salt and baking powder on them. At the bottom right, two small pieces of pale yellow butter are on a small white plate with a gold rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet magic ingredients is the first step to creating this spectacular cake. Each one plays a crucial role—from delivering the deep chocolate flavor and moist texture of the brownies to crafting a silky ganache and adorable pumpkin strawberries that steal the show.

1 cup unsalted butter: Melting butter is the foundation for that rich, tender crumb in the brownie base.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that perfectly balances the cocoa’s intensity, ensuring a smooth batter and rich final flavor.
4 medium eggs: Adding eggs one at a time helps create a light, fluffy texture and binds everything beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor with a warm aroma.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives the brownies their soft but structured body, lending that perfect fudgy bite.
1 cup cocoa powder: The star of the show that delivers deep, decadent chocolate flavor and an irresistible color.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift to keep the brownies tender without sacrificing fudginess.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness and all the intricate flavors in the batter.
1 cup heavy cream: Heated gently to craft a silky ganache that adds luscious richness on top.
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped: The ganache’s base, providing an intense, glossy finish that complements the brownies perfectly.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Stirring butter into the ganache adds shine and smooth texture, making it irresistible.
12-15 fresh strawberries: Clean and sweet berries become playful pumpkins once dipped in candy coating.
1 cup orange candy melts: Melted for vibrant, festive coverage that transforms strawberries into adorable pumpkin decorations.

How to Make Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later—don’t forget to grease that parchment to prevent sticking! This small step makes a big difference when you want perfectly intact brownies.

Step 2: Whipping the Batter

Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then stir in the sugar until well combined—this creates a luscious base. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure your batter stays smooth and aerated. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that comforting scent and flavor we all love.

Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a flawless texture. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into your buttery batter, stirring gently until just mixed to avoid overworking the batter and keeping those brownies tender and fudgy.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes to see if a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—it’s important not to overbake to keep that fudgy goodness!

Step 5: Crafting the Ganache Frosting

While the cake cools completely, gently heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for two minutes before stirring until silky smooth. Fold in the butter and stir until glossy and luscious. This ganache will elevate your brownie cake to pure indulgence.

Step 6: Creating the Pumpkin Patch Decorations

Wash and thoroughly dry your strawberries, then line a tray with parchment paper. Melt the orange candy melts carefully, either using a double boiler or following your package instructions. Hold each strawberry by its stem and dip it fully into the melted candy, placing each on the tray to set. These little pumpkins add a festive and playful touch that makes this recipe truly special.

Step 7: Assembling the Cake

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownie cake out of the pan with ease. Spread the glossy ganache evenly over the top, then arrange your candy-coated strawberry pumpkins to decorate. And just like that, you’ve created an edible pumpkin patch that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

How to Serve Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe

A dark chocolate brownie square with a shiny layer of melted chocolate spread thickly on top, garnished with a bright orange fruit and two fresh green mint leaves placed at the center. The brownie is served on a white plate with a black inside, which has a few light marble-like streaks. A small fork with a brown wooden handle rests beside the brownie on the plate. The background shows a blurred wooden board with more brownies topped with the same orange fruit and mint leaves, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra flair, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges. A few small edible leaves or green candy stems can also emphasize the pumpkin patch fun, making the presentation even more festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cinnamon-spiced cream. These warm, cozy companions offset the rich chocolate perfectly and enhance the pumpkin patch vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for an autumn picnic vibe. Or make mini versions of this cake in cupcake tins, decorating each with its own tiny strawberry pumpkin for a charming party platter. Play with edible glitter or gold leaf for an elegant twist at holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the brownies moist and the ganache glossy. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate for up to a week, but be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

If you want to tuck away some for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen brownie cake slices can last about 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature to preserve the fudgy texture and rich ganache.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat a portion in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. This revives the chocolatey softness and makes the ganache wonderfully gooey again. Avoid overheating to maintain the strawberry pumpkins’ bright candy coating intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of berry instead of strawberries for the pumpkin decorations?

Strawberries work best because their size and shape resemble little pumpkins, and their stems make them easy to dip and hold. However, small, firm berries like raspberries won’t coat as smoothly or hold the shape as well, so strawberries are definitely the top choice.

What if I don’t have candy melts in orange? Can I use regular chocolate?

You can substitute with white chocolate tinted with orange food coloring, but candy melts are preferred because they set quickly and have a smooth finish that holds its shape perfectly for the pumpkin look.

How do I know when the brownie cake is perfectly baked?

The key is to insert a toothpick in the center around the 25-minute mark. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the brownies are ready. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye for that fudgy texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Is there a way to simplify the decorations for a quick version?

Definitely! You can skip the candy-coated strawberries and instead sprinkle mini pumpkin-shaped candies or candy corn on top of the ganache for a festive look that’s easier and faster to prepare.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to dazzle friends and family with a dessert full of warmth, charm, and delightful chocolate flavor, the Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe is your new go-to. It’s an absolute joy to make and a showstopper to serve. Trust me, once you try this one, it will become a cherished seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead and bring a little pumpkin patch magic to your table!